Explosion at Kazzinc: Kazhydromet names pollutants in city air
Following the incident at the Kazzinc plant, specialists from Kazhydromet have conducted air quality monitoring both along the facility’s perimeter and in residential areas, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Experts arrived on site immediately after receiving information about a bang from dust-capturing equipment, followed by a fire and structural collapse.
Samples were taken in several locations, including residential neighborhoods, the boundary of the sanitary protection zone and downwind from the source of the emissions.
“Atmospheric air samples were collected in residential areas, at the sanitary zone boundary, and downwind. Tests were carried out using both laboratory and rapid methods to measure key pollutants,” the meteorological service stated.
At the time of the measurement, wind was blowing from the northeast at about 2 m/s, with an air temperature of 22.7C. Analyses revealed exceedances at several points:
Belinsky Street: hydrogen chloride concentration 1.8 times the maximum permissible level.
Askar Tau Street: hydrogen sulfide 1.7 times MPC, carbon monoxide 3.6 times MPC.
Shirokaya Street (leeward area): no exceedances detected.
The measurements thus proved that changes in air quality were recorded not only within the industrial site but also in residential areas.
As it was reported, the accident occurred on the morning of May 5. Environmental specialists have launched urgent air quality measurements.
As a result of the incident, two employees were killed and five others were injured. Doctors revealed the condition of those injured. The explosion at Kazzinc caused a workshop collapse, with 32 people working in the affected area.
Kazzinc also announced support measures for the families of victims and those injured as a result of explosion.
The causes of the incident are under investigation.